UArizona Playing Key Role in Development of Southwest Clean Hydrogen Hub

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With encouragement from the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a full proposal, the University of Arizona and nearly 40 other entities in the region are another step closer to a regional clean hydrogen hub.

The Southwest Clean Hydrogen Innovation Network (SHINe) represents cooperating organizations with expertise and operations, including UArizona and other universities, utility companies, city governance, commerce leaders, tribal nations and nonprofits. SHINe already counts on the support of the Arizona and Nevada Governor’s Offices and U.S. senators. 

Made possible by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill passed in November 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy plans to fund 6 to 10 regional hubs with up to $7B. SHINe submitted a concept paper to the DOE for a Southwest clean hydrogen hub in November 2022. In December, the network was among the 33 of 79 applicants invited to submit a full proposal by April 7, 2023.

“The University of Arizona is dedicated to a future for Arizona that is both economically and environmentally resilient,” said Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell, UArizona senior vice president for research and innovation. “We are thrilled to partner with our fellow state universities and regional utilities to leverage the power of our place in a living laboratory and create scalable infrastructure for a clean, resilient Arizona.”

The SHINe proposal leverages the Southwest’s strategic location, natural resources, existing infrastructure, and local expertise to demonstrate its relevance as a leader in developing a successful clean energy hub.

If among the awardees, SHINe will coordinate the creation of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem, incorporating all steps of clean energy creation and off-take—from strategic decision-making to production, storage, distribution and use. This collaborative environment will allow for Arizona, the Navajo Nation, and Nevada to develop low carbon, forward-thinking economies that offer improved energy security and well-paying jobs for a diverse workforce.

With federal support, the network will accelerate progress towards a clean energy economy emphasizing innovation paired with proven technologies and a commitment to broad-based decision-making incorporating the voices of all stakeholders, particularly the traditionally underrepresented. 

UArizona is well-suited for success in its role in the SHINe proposal: developing the community benefits and workforce development plan. UArizona faculty and staff have engaged trade schools, unions, community colleges and other organizations to provide input into developing programs that will educate and train our future workforce across Arizona and Nevada. 

“As an institution known for academic excellence, UArizona is strongly positioned to lead the workforce development effort for SHINe and help create a program that will reach from elementary school children to adult learners,” said Mark Van Dyke, associate dean of research in the College of Engineering. “The Hub will focus on developing pathways from underserved communities to rewarding careers in the renewable energy industry.”

Participating SHINe organizations include:

• 174 Power Global Corp
• Air Liquide
• Arizona Commerce Authority
• Arizona Public Service
• Arizona Solar Energy Industries Association (AriSEIA)
• Arizona State University
• EDF Renewables
• Elemental Resources
• First Mode
• Hyve 1
• Linde Inc.
• Navajo Nation
• NextEra Energy Resources LLC
• Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy
• Nikola Corporation
• Northern Arizona University
• Phoenix
• Phoenix Hydrogen
• Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
• Salt River Project
• SidePorch Consulting LLC
• Stonebridge Sustainability Solutions, Inc.
• Southwest Gas
• Tucson Electric Power
• University of Arizona
• University of Nevada Las Vegas
• Vopak New Energies

To learn more about the proposal, visit Southwest Clean Hydrogen Innovation Network at the Arizona Center for a Carbon Neutral Economy (AzCaNE)